Bob Marley’s Legendary Acoustic Medley, Sweden 1971

I was recently asked by one of my readers whether I have ever heard Bob Marley’s “Acoustic Medley,” which was published as a track on the Limited Edition Songs of Freedom 4-disc box set, and later in additional box sets.  Well, since I am lucky enough to own one of the original collector’s sets (#0320187 for all you collectors), I pulled the track, converted to WAV audio, and I share it here for your listening pleasure.

It is by far one of Marley’s most impressive performances as it is just him, a guitar, and the words he wrote.  It doesn’t get more raw than this.  The vocal performance is simply stunning.

The seven-song medley was recorded in Sweden during the summer of 1971, when Bob was staying in Alvik and working on a film soundtrack with Johnny Nash.  The film, So Much To Believe, was supported by John Bundrick, Johnny Nash, Bob Marley, and Fred Jordan.  The film premiered at the 1971 Festival Stockholm.  It is actually a recording of Bob teaching Nash some songs, including “Stir It Up”, which later becomes a huge hit for Nash.

The song sequence is:

1. Guava Jelly
2. This Train
3. Cornerstone
4. Comma Comma
5. Dewdrops
6. Stir It Up
7. I’m Hurting Inside

I must give thanks to my good friend Fred from France who provided crucial information about this track and about Bob’s stay in Alvik 1971.  Please visit his website at http://voiceofthesufferers.free.fr.